[PomBear]

Just wondering do they mention which ones specifically?

For the sense of debate:
Would you support this move?
Do you think it's born outta a hatred of Trade Unions?
Do you think a private investor who sole intent is making a profit would be better for the workers than the State?

[Sulmac]

They plan so sell off some state companies that are no longer needed (since they no longer have a monopoly, for instance) to raise money to invest in infrastructure that we need like broadband, electricity and water.

This is from their 'Working for our Future' policy document:

Sales of State Assets

Over time, we also propose to finance the investment programme from the sale of certain State assets. We will only sell State assets, however, if the sale coheres with the following principles:

• The asset is not a monopoly or of strategic importance to the State. We will not repeat the mistake of Eircom by selling off a strategic asset which is a natural monopoly. As a result, we would retain ESB Networks and Eirgrid (which we will merge) and the national electricity grid in majority state ownership along with Bord Gais Networks, Coillte and Bord na Mona. An Post and RTE will not be considered for privatisation.
• The asset is sold for the best price possible which may mean deferring sales Buntil market conditions improve.
• If there is no economic and social case for a company remaining in State ownership it should not remain in State ownership.
• The staff of any company sold are given a share in the company subject to their co-operation.

Applying these principles, Fine Gael sees no impediment to selling:

• Bord Gais Energy
• ESB Power Generation (excluding the hydro plants)
• The ESB Customer Supply Companies
• RTENL (the mast and towers but not the TV or Radio stations)

Davy Stockbrokers estimate that Ireland could raise €4 billion from a trade sale of Bord Gais Energy, ESB Power Generation and ESB Supply alone.

If it proves necessary to finance the investment programme, we will also consider sales of minority stakes in the electricity, gas and water networks, with the State remaining in majority control.

We will also appoint a committee to examine the accounts and cost base of the semi-States - a 'Bord Snip' for the semi-States - to recommend ways to reduce costs and improve efficiencies in each company with a view to passing on any savings to customers

Would I support it? Yes, if it will create desperately-needed jobs and provide us with the infrastructure we need to regain competitiveness.

[PomBear]

Originally Posted by Sulmac

Would I support it? Yes, if it will create desperately-needed jobs and provide us with the infrastructure we need to regain competitiveness.

There no guarantee and in fact very little chance, it'll create jobs, in fact it'll be more of a chance jobs are lost as the private investors tries to see a profit on this investment.

[dubhthach]

If stuff like ESB and Bord Gáis are to be sold it should be a case that distribution network (Grid/pipelines) remain in state ownership. We saw what happened when they privatised all of Telecom Éireann into Eircom.

[Elmo]

No.

I disagree with this view point these companies should be at this stage in their lives provide a dividend to the country.

I think that Networks should be split from the service providers and the government should issue new licences for service provision, while holding on to the current state owned providers.

The 4billion is a quick buck. If their suggested plans do not work out, Ireland will be left with unemployment and the assets sold, meaning that the FG will (in worst case scenario) either have to raise taxes to support their jobs strategy something they are dead against or having to privatize the Network infrastructure. In the best case scenario it works out but we go through a similar bubble and burst situation. I feel it is not a long term vision.

Also FG are hoping to sell these assets once the market is growing, meaning we may possibly still own them in 5 years time.

[Crow92]

Are there plans to sell of the waterworks?! Probably one of the most vital things we'll need to be in charge of in the future.

[donkey balls]

I had Varadakar call to my house about two weeks ago and I asked him the question about selling off state assets even ones that pay the govt a dividend,He replied by saying dont beleive what the ESB propaganda tells you there lying.
Im not sure wether these morans know about the ESBI who work overseas developing hydro dams/ power plants etc and are world renowned for there expertise link http://www.esbi.ie/about-us/about-us.asp.
To sell off assets like the above is crazy I also remember when o Leary of Ryanair was being interviewed by the Dail transport commitee over the hanger 6 issue,And you had the likes of that FF pleb Micheal Kennedy going on about Aerlingus needing to use it for their 747(for the record Aerlingus got rid of the 747 fleet in 95)yet these guys are making decisions without getting the full facts ffs.
As for FG being anti union mainly Varadakar upto when he was elected he was a docs union rep in Connolly hospital.

[ei.sdraob]

Which parts of ESB? the company is already split into 5 or so companies in the group;
customer supply, power generation, international, networks, shared services etc

[Pete_Cavan]

Originally Posted by Crow92

Are there plans to sell of the waterworks?! Probably one of the most vital things we'll need to be in charge of in the future.

They do not want to privatise the water network, instead they want to take it out of the control of 34 local authorities and give it to one state owned company. This will end our fragmented approach to providing water and create economies of scale.

Originally Posted by ei.sdraob

Which parts of ESB? the company is already split into 5 or so companies in the group;
customer supply, power generation, international, networks, shared services etc

From NewEra;

We will look to sell ESB International, Bord Gais and ESB PowerGen & Supply, when market and other conditions are appropriate. We have learnt the lessons of Eircom and will retain key infrastructure in the ownership of the State, i.e., the electricity and gas networks, and the hydro power stations which are so vital for flood control. The proceeds from the sale of non-strategic assets will be re-invested in NewERA through a new portfolio of State companies.

I think it is a great idea. Other parties want stimulus packages that only create jobs while the stimulus is in place. Building schools and hospitals which will only create construction jobs (most of the teachers and health care jobs exist already) which are 100% reliant on government funding. Once that funding stops those jobs will be lost.

FG are focusing on infrastructure that will mainly create jobs from its existance, as well as during their construction. Every business in the country needs energy, broadband and water so improving the quality of these will make it easier to do business. Also in the case of energy and broadband, lowering the price by introducing competition to the markets will lower the costs.

[Oasis_Dublin]

Originally Posted by Elmo

The 4billion is a quick buck. If their suggested plans do not work out, Ireland will be left with unemployment and the assets sold, meaning that the FG will (in worst case scenario) either have to raise taxes to support their jobs strategy something they are dead against or having to privatize the Network infrastructure. In the best case scenario it works out but we go through a similar bubble and burst situation. I feel it is not a long term vision.

Better to try something than to sit on their hands, surely.

[KELTICKNIGHTT]

Originally Posted by Sulmac

They plan so sell off some state companies that are no longer needed (since they no longer have a monopoly, for instance) to raise money to invest in infrastructure that we need like broadband, electricity and water.

This is from their 'Working for our Future' policy document:



Would I support it? Yes, if it will create desperately-needed jobs and provide us with the infrastructure we need to regain competitiveness.

sell rte and rsb,i dont tink so,theres a reason not too vote fg straight away,prices will increase and cost people more,they dont have a clue what too do

[KELTICKNIGHTT]

Originally Posted by Oasis_Dublin

Better to try something than to sit on their hands, surely.

build new services,create jobs,not a quick euro not the solution,not sell off waht state assets thats making money,like esb specially,

[Oasis_Dublin]

Originally Posted by KELTICKNIGHTT

build new services,create jobs,not a quick euro not the solution,not sell off waht state assets thats making money,like esb specially,

Where do you propose a state in huge debt is going to get that money?

"Applying these principles, Fine Gael sees no impediment to selling:
ESB Power Generation"

[KELTICKNIGHTT]

Originally Posted by Oasis_Dublin

Where do you propose a state in huge debt is going to get that money?

"Applying these principles, Fine Gael sees no impediment to selling:
ESB Power Generation"

esb is the best profit making company's we have,if gf sell it,, then they worse that ff ,history has showed over all so far any state company's that was sold didnt over all help ,slightly in short ,its discussions like this that hasnt help Ireland in last 6 years,so if they sell out best state company's,then i wont be voting fg and i know alot who feel same way,say that they really dont know what too do
sensible policy's and see if they can improve the imf/eu deal ,sort out the public service,hse a big pig too be sorted,330,000 public services workers too 4.5 million people,get rid of all the waste ,redo fas etc,create jobs,give people a reason too spend and live again,not this crap short term ,as its no different that the government that just gone,i think some tiems we be better off without a government,maybe we need too do what happen-in egypt,share up the politicians in this country,as it as old short minded crap they come up with
they all had a chance too come together as in 70's and 80's to be all in one national body or government too help the country,but as always in irish politics ,show there true colors

[Pete_Cavan]

Originally Posted by KELTICKNIGHTT

esb is the best profit making company's we have,if gf sell it,, then they worse that ff ,history has showed over all so far any state company's that was sold didnt over all help ,slightly in short ,its discussions like this that hasnt help Ireland in last 6 years,so if they sell out best state company's,then i wont be voting fg and i know alot who feel same way,say that they really dont know what too do

ESB is only profitable because the everything in the market is stacked in their favour and we are being over-charged. I posted the following in another thread;

ESB prices are kept artificially high to encourage people to switch to Bord Gais or Airtricity to give the illusion of competition. Basically ESB customers are being over-charged and the taxpayer is subsidising the cost of electricity from Bord Gais in order to break up ESBs monopoly but there are no advantages to removing this monopoly because any savings in the cost of electricity are canceled out by the subsidies you are paying for through taxes. At least in an open market competition forces producers to become efficient because the only way they will gain customers is by reducing their prices.

State-guaranteed monopoly-status means that the consumer's interests do not count. These companies have NO incentive to improve the quality of their services or reduce their prices because no matter how annoyed the consumer gets with them there's no escape from them. They can't seek refuge from appalling service or high prices by choosing another company. Similarly with broadband, FG want the state to own the network (fibre cables etc.) but private companies offer the broadband packages.

The government can retain certain assets and compete in these markets if they wish. More competition in this market would reduce prices which is good for customers and will make the country more competitive. I very much doubt ESB would be profiable in a competitive market